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For more than 25 years, Drama Kids International has nurtured thousands of thespian students and kids simply searching for an engaging activity, instilling children with the ability to speak clearly and confidently. Classes focus on sharpening articulated speech and encouraging creative expression. Children are placed in classes according to their age group: the Lower Primary (ages 5–8) teaches kids how to deliver lines and hone social skills, the Upper Primary (ages 9–11) delves into improvisation and dramatic movement, and the DKI Acting Academy (ages 12–17) preps scene-stealers on how to audition for their dream role. Each class includes a variety of activities for kids to unleash their imagination, which develops their dramatic abilities in a fun, easy-going setting. Drama Kids instructors foster an open, comfortable acting environment. Call ahead to schedule the first class and start your child down the path of becoming one of the more notable Baldwin brothers.

While Elwood Cinema shows the latest, hottest movies, it still retains that family-friendly neighborhood vibe. First opened in the 1960s, it's been updated since, with four screens, digitally mastered production technology, and updated plush seating with ample room for moviegoers to stretch out their legs. The theater shows appreciation for its many loyal customers by gifting them with free snacks and, every few months, free screenings of classic movies such as The Sandlot, The Breakfast Club, and that Felix the Cat biopic. The staff also does a great job of hosting birthday parties complete with pizza and unlimited popcorn.

The Long Island Comedy Festival, which won a thumbs-up from Newsday in 2009, sends laughing fits rippling through southeastern New York with showcases of some of the area's most accomplished comedians. The namesake festival spreads out across Long Island every summer, landing at venues that might range from an old-fashioned playhouse to a family amusement park. Many alumni return to perform year after year, making for a festive atmosphere that executive producer Paul Anthony likens to "a comedy party that the audience members have been invited to," rather than one that they sadly listen to through the floorboards. During the rest of the year, the organizers stay busy producing comedy series at other historic venues and exporting their team of comics to college shows.

An oasis for arts-loving crowds tired of taking malfunctioning teleporters to Long Island, the cavernous, recently renovated Paramount draws in major acts to spare fans stressful commutes. The venue buzzes with a true rock 'n' roll vibe, beaming with a nocturnal color scheme decorated with whimsical local art and exposed brick walls.

Film fanatics flock to Cinema Arts Centre to get their fix of foreign, independent, and other hard-to-find flicks. Upcoming attractions include Mao's Last Dancer, Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford’s inspirational story about a young ballet dancer's climb from poverty to international stardom; Get Low, inspired by the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, and starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Bill Murray; and Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1, a thrilling two-part snapshot of France’s most famous gangster, as well as a story about 101 freckled puppies dodging a cruel women in a fur coat. Pair your celluloid eyeball feast with some freshly popped organic popcorn doused with all-natural butter and a fountain soda infused with the fizzy essence of imported giggles.

The Erin and John Lopez, the founders of Variations, believe in more than building up successful dancers?they also believe in building healthy bodies and attitudes through dance. Erin is a longtime dancer herself, having performed at Lincoln Center and as a dancer with a wide swath of companies. The instructors here are just as committed to their students as the Lopezes, leading classes as diverse as classical ballet, jazz, and hip hop for students of all ages. The adult curriculum also covers classic and contemporary dance styles, with Pilates and ballet barre fitness lessons as well.